Diet & Fitness

By Joanne Eglash
eDiets Healthy Lifestyle Columnist

It's Saturday morning: do you know where your children are?

"Happily watching TV and eating breakfast cereal," my parents would have answered many years ago. Although kids today tend to follow that same pattern, an increasing number of studies show it's an unhealthy habit. Hours devoted to the TV are especially dangerous for diabetic children, according to a new study conducted in Norway. The researchers at the University of Oslo reported that children with Type 1 diabetes have more problems controlling their blood sugar if they indulge in more than a minimum amount of TV time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting children's hours in front of the set to two hours daily.

Attention, women! Do you avoid weightlifting or strength training exercises? Studies show that many women remain resistant to the idea of resistance training. Unless your doctor advises against lifting weights (and always check with your health care provider before starting or changing your exercise program), you're not doing yourself any favors by doing all-cardio, no-weights. Some women claim that they skip the strength training because they don't want to get "guy muscles." Not very likely, ladies.

What you will develop, though, are strong bones, which can reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Other women claim that they won't do weight-lifting because they tried it and didn't get instant results (e.g. slimmer thighs overnight). Sorry, but there is no magic spot-toning formula. What works, say researchers, is doing 2 to 3 sessions of weight-lifting or strength training each week. To get started and do it right, check at your local gym and see if there is a class devoted to introductory weight strength-training. And also ask about the possibility of having a few sessions with a certified personal fitness trainer (some gym memberships include three free sessions). Make sure that your trainer is properly certified and experienced in introducing beginners
to a weight-lifting program.

You can add "exercise" to your collection of: "You're never too old to...." adages. The results of a new study revealed that weight training may help to combat muscle tissue changes due to aging,
according to a May 23 article in PLoS One from the Public Library of Science. The research investigators assigned healthy older adults (ages 65-plus) to a strength training program
that consisted of just two hours a week.

Before their weight-training regime, the older adults were almost 60 percent weaker than a comparative group of young adults (all in their 20s). Although the twenty-something crowd also followed that same weight-lifting program, the results were dramatic. The now-active older adults had become much stronger, so that they were less than 40 percent weaker than the 20-something set. Other areas of their health became improved as well. A follow-up study four months later showed that the majority of the older adults were continuing their strength training in their own homes.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find my dusty set of free weights...

For more information about Joanne Eglash, visit her Web site:
http://www.geocities.com/snackscribe/

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